André Maeder, chief executive of Selfridges Group, has called for an extension of Sunday trading hours in England and Wales to support department stores facing challenging market conditions. Under current regulations established by the Sunday Trading Act of 1994, large stores are permitted to open for a maximum of six hours on Sundays, typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Maeder suggested extending Sunday opening times by two to three hours, highlighting that Sunday remains one of the few days when many customers have time to shop. Selfridges’ flagship London store on Oxford Street currently opens for browsing at 11:30 a.m., but sales are only allowed after midday. Maeder described this arrangement as “a little bit crazy,” advocating for a fully operational store from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. to better serve customers.
Echoing these views, Ewan Venters, executive chairman of the fashion house Paul Smith and former head of Fortnum & Mason, emphasized the outdated nature of current Sunday restrictions. Venters detailed how Fortnum & Mason would allow customers to select goods before the sales window opened but had to delay actual transactions until the legal start time. He noted that the original legislation aimed to balance commercial interests with respect for Sunday as a day of rest in a predominantly Christian country but argued that societal changes have rendered these restrictions increasingly obsolete. Venters also pointed out that Scotland, which places no limitations on Sunday trading hours, could serve as a model for a uniform approach across the UK.
The Sunday Trading Act of 1994 was a response to competing consumer demands and religious observances, limiting trading hours to protect workers’ rights and support smaller retailers. However, critics note that the growth of supermarket-owned convenience stores operating without such restrictions has undermined this protection. Both Maeder and Venters reported that Sunday shifts at their stores are voluntary and well-received by staff.
The call for extended Sunday trading hours comes as luxury retailers such as Selfridges and Paul Smith navigate a period of significant transition. The removal of VAT-free shopping for international tourists, coupled with rising taxes and energy costs, has challenged profitability across high-end retail and associated sectors like hospitality and transportation. In response, Selfridges has pursued a shift toward becoming an experiential destination featuring pop-up events, collaborations, and enhanced hospitality to attract more local customers instead of relying on wealthy foreign shoppers.
Selfridges itself has undergone complex ownership changes recently. The iconic department store, formerly owned by the Weston family, was acquired in 2022 by a partnership between Thailand’s Central Group and Austria’s Signa Holding. Signa’s stake was subsequently purchased by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which now co-manages the business with Central Group.
As these retailers seek innovative strategies for reinvention amid a rapidly evolving retail landscape, adjustments to Sunday trading laws remain a focal point in discussions about supporting the sector’s recovery and future growth.